LINKING PRIVATE SECTOR AND INSTITUTIONS ONE OF KEY CONDITIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 16 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology Bojan Vipotnik told SRNA that strengthening cooperation between the private sector and institutions is one of the key conditions for the stable development of the construction industry and infrastructure.

Ahead of the upcoming Building the Region conference in Trebinje, Vipotnik emphasized that the region is vastly experienced and that civil engineering had been the leading export sector of the former mutual state for decades.

"Today, we have high-quality contractors and serious companies operating in this region and implementing major projects, but it is extremely important that we keep exchanging knowledge, technologies, and best practices," the line minister stressed.

According to him, Republika Srpska is experiencing significant investment and construction growth, particularly in residential development, transport infrastructure, energy, and public facilities.

"This is an indicator of economic development inevitably leading to increased investors’ interest," Vipotnik said, adding that conferences such as the upcoming one in Trebinje enable direct networking among investors, designers, contractors, and institutions, contributing to more efficient project implementation, higher construction quality, and the creation of new business opportunities.

Vipotnik stresses it is particularly important that contemporary trends in urban planning, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction will be showcased in one place.

"For Republika Srpska, events like this provide an opportunity to further strengthen regional cooperation, attract new investments, and demonstrate the potential of local companies and professionals," Vipotnik emphasized.

The future of the region, he adds, largely depends on infrastructure connectivity, urban modernization, and major investment projects.

"The construction sector is perhaps the strongest driver of economic development because it creates new jobs, stimulates other industries, and contributes to overall economic growth," Vipotnik believes.

Therefore, he noted, it is highly significant that leading regional companies will gather in one place, as such meetings create opportunities for new partnerships, the exchange of experience, and the launch of joint projects.

"The presence of large and successful companies confirms that the region has serious potential and can keep pace with modern European and global construction trends. It is also an opportunity for local companies to present their capacities, establish contacts, and further strengthen their market position," Vipotnik concluded.

The regional infrastructure and construction conference "Building the Region", which will bring together leading figures from the fields of construction, infrastructure, energy, urban planning, and investment, will be held in Trebinje between June 18 and 19.

The conference will focus on strategic investments in the Western Balkans.

It is one of the most significant regional gatherings dedicated to the development of infrastructure, the construction sector, and energy, featuring experts, investors, and companies from the construction and energy industries.

Around 100 companies and institutions and approximately 400 participants are expected to attend, including leading construction firms and decision-makers from across the region.

Participation in this prestigious event has been announced by Elektroprivreda Srbije, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske, EFT, Integral Inženjering, EL Promet, Milenijum Tim, Bemax, Expo 2027, the World Bank, as well as banks, chambers of commerce, public enterprises, and institutions from across the region.

The Building the Region conference will be held at the Cultural Centre Trebinje.